Suspect: Arrest in deadly October crash is no surprise

Recovering from a horrific traffic crash at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville that killed an Ocala couple on Oct. 24, Allen Cole Godwin said he expected to face charges.

By Austin L. MillerStaff Writer

Recovering from a horrific traffic crash at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville that killed an Ocala couple on Oct. 24, Allen Cole Godwin said he expected to face charges.

“I knew I was going to jail. I was waiting for them to arrest me,” said Godwin in an interview with the Star-Banner after his first appearance in front of Judge Sarah Ritteroff Williams at the Marion County Jail on Friday morning.

Godwin was released from the hospital on Nov. 5. In the meantime, traffic homicide investigators with the Florida Highway Patrol talked with witnesses and gathered evidence from the scene. With what investigators say is proof Godwin was impaired, they showed up at his Dunnellon address at 4205 Evergreen Court at 8:55 a.m. on Thanksgiving and took him into custody.

“I knew they were going to come talk to me. I just didn’t know when,” Godwin said.

Though he said he “doesn’t remember anything” about the accident, Godwin said he heard about the crash on the news while at the hospital.

Facing the judge, a handcuffed Godwin, dressed in a red-and-white jail outfit and wearing flip-flops, said he has been living in Marion County for 12 years, has been unemployed since Oct. 23 and lives with his mother.

Facing charges of two counts each of driving under the influence/manslaughter and vehicular homicide and driving under the influence/property damage, Godwin, 30, was appointed a public defender and his original bond of $222,000 was reduced to $45,000.

In his report, Cpl. Shaun R. Lattinville, an investigator, wrote five people witnessed the crash that killed 67-year-old Ray Allen Kraus and his wife, Pamela Jean Kraus shortly after 9:35 p.m. Assistant State Attorney Rock Hooker has reviewed Lattinville’s report.

Witnesses told FHP officials that the 2004 Chevy Colorado, owned and driven by Godwin, was speeding west on State Road 200 when it ran a red light in the 8300 block. A 2013 Chevy Impala, driven by Ray Allen Kraus, was traveling east had a green light to make a left turn. The truck slammed into the passenger side of the car.

The Krauses, of Ocala, were pronounced dead on scene. Godwin was flown to Shands for treatment.

Godwin said while at the hospital, he received skin grafts to his chin and upper and lower body. He added he has a chipped tooth and bad vision in his right eye.

Lattinville wrote in his report Godwin has two prior convictions for DUI, two convictions for operating a motor vehicle while a habitual traffic offender and possession of marijuana less than 28 grams. The trooper noted he strongly believes Godwin will operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated again.

Court and state records indicate Godwin has a history of driving-related citations, including a 10-month prison term for driving with a suspended or revoked license.

Authorities said they took a blood sample from Godwin after the crash at the hospital. A trooper reported smelling alcohol on Godwin’s breath. The blood sample was sent to a Florida Department of Law Enforcement laboratory, and the results showed blood-alcohol levels of .195 and .198, more than twice the state’s legal limit of .08.

According to reports, Robert Lictenthal, a witness to the accident, noticed chemicals spilling from Godwin’s truck and pulled him from the pickup. At the time, Godwin worked for America’s Swimming Pool Co. and had chemicals in the truck’s bed.

Told about what Lictenthal did, Godwin said he thanks him for saving his life.

Another witness, Rodney Means, told troopers Godwin sped through the intersection “like he was possessed.”

A third witness, Terry Roberts, said Godwin was in the driver’s seat holding a gallon of muriatic acid and was in a daze. Roberts said he yelled at Godwin to get out of the vehicle.

Angela White Davis, another witness, said it appeared Godwin “was on a mission” and described the crash as “an explosion.” She said the Impala “never had a chance” because Godwin’s vehicle was traveling so fast.

The woman told troopers Godwin appeared to be possessed and was driving really crazy.

Witnesses picked out Godwin from a photo lineup, according to police.

Tracking his speed, FHP authorities said Godwin’s pickup accelerated mere seconds before the crash. According to the report, the vehicle was traveling at 75 mph five seconds before the accident. At four seconds, the speed was calculated at 76 mph. At three seconds, it increased to 77 mph and two and one seconds respectively before impact, escalated to 78 mph.

“I don’t remember driving. I’ve no recollection up to 7 p.m., other than I was working that day,” he said.

While Godwin said he doesn’t remember the events leading up to the crash or the incident, he apologized for the accident.

“I’m very remorseful for any pain that I caused,” said Godwin, as his voice cracked and he wiped tears.